Men’s NCR Division I (D1) is a top-tier collegiate rugby division organized by National Collegiate Rugby (NCR), featuring the most competitive and well-developed university programs across the country. Membership is based on rugby performance and program strength rather than school size, allowing both large public universities and smaller private institutions to compete at this level. Teams in D1 play regionally during the regular season and advance to national playoffs to determine the champion. The division represents the highest standard of competition within NCR’s collegiate structure, showcasing elite play and program excellence.
Surprises Still Swoop In With ARC Final Regular-Season Weekend
Once again the ARC brought surprises.
The new NCR D1 conference finished up its regular season with two games and plenty to talk about.
Queens vs Walsh
Queens University Charlotte defeated Walsh 33-20 to clinch 2nd and set up a matchup with St. Bonaventure in the conference final.
Thomas More, Marian Through to Big Rivers Final
Marian and Thomas More move on to the Big Rivers final after both won semifinals this weekend.
Thomas More, the #1 seed from the East defeated Iowa Central 53-7 in fairly dominant fashion. For the Saints this was an indication of their improvement after they started the season with a loss to Kutztown.
D1-Level games This Weekend: Semis, Crossovers, Big Tests
NCR's D1 enters conference playoff season for the Big Rivers and Big 10, but the other conferences are finishing up things, too.
Big 10 Playoff Schedule, Seedings Set
The Big Ten Universities Rugby Conference has finalized its seeding and schedule for the 2025 Championship Playoffs, set to kick off on Saturday, November 1.
This year’s tournament will feature semifinal matchups in both the Championship Cup and Bowl brackets, with higher-seeded teams hosting each contest.
Men NCR D1 Rankings Week 9 2025
We broke up one of the tied pairs, after St. Bonaventure doubled-up on Wheeling and Walsh lost the same weekend.
We are a bit muted in our response to those results; Belmont Abbey moves up but not past Walsh, because overall Walsh still has more wins against tough teams.
So we'll wait a bit. Can Belmont Abbey back that win up?
